USMNT Defeats Mexico 2-0 in CONCACAF Nations League Final
The USMNT secures its third CONCACAF Nations League title with a 2-0 victory over Mexico, showcasing stellar performances from Tyler Adams and Giovanni Reyna.
Reyna Takes Center Stage
Giovanni Reyna's standout performance in the CONCACAF Nations League final against Mexico highlights his evolution as a key player for the USMNT. Despite previous doubts about his role in the national team, Reyna's recent displays have silenced critics and showcased his world-class talent.
After setting up crucial goals in the semifinals and scoring in the final match, Reyna's versatility and skill have been instrumental in the team's success. Alongside Tyler Adams, who has also made a significant impact, Reyna's contributions have been crucial to the team's victory.
Mexico Nowhere Near Its Traditional Standard
On the other hand, Mexico's national team is facing challenges as it navigates a transitional phase without key veteran players. The absence of experienced stars like Hector Herrera and Andreas Guardado has left a void in the team's lineup, with younger players yet to fill their shoes.
While Mexico managed to bounce back after a disappointing defeat to the USMNT in the 2023 Nations League semifinal by winning the Gold Cup, recent performances indicate a lack of consistency and depth in the squad. With upcoming friendlies and tournaments on the horizon, Mexico faces uncertainty about its ability to compete at a high level.
What's Next?
The USMNT is set to face Colombia in a friendly before embarking on the Copa America journey. With challenging opponents like Uruguay, Panama, and Bolivia in their group, the team will look to maintain its winning momentum and secure a spot in the knockout rounds.
For Mexico, upcoming friendlies against Bolivia, Uruguay, and Brazil will serve as crucial tests ahead of the Copa America group stage. With expectations high for El Tri to advance past the group stage, the pressure is on for the team to deliver consistent performances.
- Kickoff: 9:15 pm ET, Sunday (March 24)
- How to watch: Paramount+ and Univision
Match Highlights
| Final Score: 2-0 | |
| Goals: | |
| Tyler Adams (45') | Giovanni Reyna (63') |
In a thrilling showdown between rivals, Tyler Adams opened the scoring with a spectacular long-range strike just before halftime. Giovanni Reyna extended the lead with a well-timed volley in the second half, securing the victory for the USMNT.
Despite a penalty call overturned by VAR and missed opportunities from Mexico, the USMNT maintained control throughout the match. With standout performances from key players like Adams and Reyna, the team showcased its dominance in CONCACAF.
A pure, venomous strike that sends Ochoa out for lunch
1-0, USA!
Mishit diagonals — a few to Sergino Dest — and some sloppy passes allowed this once-electric match to hit a lull. No more, as Dest takes matters into his own feet with a mazy run that ends with a left-footed shot over the goal. Still scoreless after nearly 40 minutes.
- Yellow card — Weston McKennie
Chucky Lozano shakes his hips and gets Weston McKennie flat-footed. The American grabs Lozano to slow the rush and sees the first yellow card of the match with more than an hour to play.
Mexico chance: Luis Chavez doesn’t get full muster on a chance, allowing Matt Turner to get low to his right for a save. 0-0, 23'.
Yanks have the edge
This will be scrappy at times but Mexico so far just doesn’t have the electricity of the hosts. Adding to this is a clear directive from Gregg Berhalter to play physical against El Tri, as the Yanks are not in yellow card territory but are making their proverbial presence felt. Still 0-0, 16'.
Great chance! Big save by Memo Ochoa: An early free kick is given away by Sergino Dest but the Yanks deal well with it. At the other end, Giovanni Reyna nods the ball to Christian Pulisic, but living Mexico legend Guillermo ‘Memo’ Ochoa makes a terrific close-range save to keep it scoreless after five minutes.
Recent matches
It’s been nearly five years since El Tri beat the USMNT, winning back-to-back matches with a 2019 Gold Cup Final win in Chicago before a friendly win in New Jersey. Since then? The USMNT is 4W-2D and that includes two finals.
- 2023 Nations League semifinal — USMNT 3-0 Mexico
- 2023 friendly — USMNT 1-1 Mexico
- 2022 World Cup qualifier — Mexico 0-0 USMNT
- 2021 World Cup qualifier — USMNT 2-0 Mexico
- 2021 Gold Cup Final — USMNT 1-0 (aet) Mexico
- 2021 Nations League Final — USMNT 3-2 (aet) Mexico
Biggest questions for this game
How long can Tyler Adams play? The Bournemouth man has played a half-hour or so in each of his appearances since coming back from a long injury. With Yunus Musah and Johnny Cardoso on the bench, this is about how long Adams can be peak Adams. How long before we see Folarin Balogun, and what sort of mood will he be in? The Monaco man loses his starting spot to Haji Wright after the brace versus Jamaica, and how he reacts will be interesting. Will the creativity of Giovanni Reyna and Christian Pulisic be too much for El Tri’s back line?
USMNT lineup
Turner, Dest, Richards, Ream, Robinson, Adams, McKennie, Reyna, Pulisic, Weah, Wright.
Mexico lineup
Ochoa, Gallardo, Vasquez, Montes, J. Sanchez, Alvarez, Chavez, E. Sanchez, Antuna, Lozano, Martin
USMNT vs Mexico preview — By Andy Edwards
Three years after knocking off El Tri in the inaugural Nations League final — arguably the greatest game in the two nations’ bitter rivalry — the Yanks are back for a three-peat. But, only just barely are they back. Gregg Berhalter’s side trailed Jamaica from minute 1 to minute 95 of Thursday’s semifinal, yet the USMNT came out on top, 3-1, thanks to a 96th-minute own goal and a pair of goals from Haji Wright in extra time. Perhaps now the Coventry City striker, on top of his fine form for club in recent weeks, has done enough to earn the starting nod after once again making significant contributions to the USMNT off the bench.
It has been a fantastic season debut season in England for Wright, since joining Coventry from Turkish side Antalyaspor in the summer. The 25-year-old Los Angeles native has 13 goals (6th-most in the Championship) to go with six assists in 35 appearances (23 starts), plus another two goals in the FA Cup, including the 99th-minute winner in last weekend’s quarterfinal to send the Sky Blues to the semifinal against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on April 21. And yet, he wasn’t in Berhalter’s squad ahead of this international window.
Then, an injury forced Josh Sargent to withdraw, opening up a spot for Wright, who was at the airport with his family, getting ready to board a plane and enjoy a few days’ vacation time, when Berhalter called. “He was getting on a plane to go to Dubai. He had a family vacation planned for the international break,” said the coach. “So I called him and he was like, ‘Well, I’m at the airport and my whole family’s here, my agent’s already there and my girlfriend’s going, she planned the whole thing.’ Really, this really happened.
“I said, ‘I can imagine, Haji, I’m gonna give you 10 minutes – I didn’t give him a time limit, but let’s hang up and just think about it, process it, right? I know it’s a lot of information right now for you to handle. I know you got your parents, the bags are packed and you’re at the airport, but just think about it for 10 minutes and give me a call back.’ And he called me back and he said, ‘I’m in.’ And when I heard that, it really shows what type of guy he is, what type of character he is.”
USMNT team news, focus
Everyone appeared to come through the semifinal unscathed, as Sergiño Dest also returns from suspension and is expected start the final at right back. Tyler Adams continued his slow, but steady return to game action with 37 minutes against Jamaica and will likely be available for a similar load against Mexico.
Mexico team news, focus
El Tri made light work of Panama in the second semifinal, scoring twice just before halftime en route to a 3-0 victory and a stress-free night at AT&T Stadium — quite the opposite of what the Americans put themselves through. Mexico hasn’t beaten the USMNT in any of their last six tries (0W-2D-4L), not since a 3-0 friendly victory in September 2019.
Breaking News: The Asian Tribune Exposes Corruption Scandal!
Hey there, dear reader! Have you heard the latest scandal that has rocked the political landscape in Asia? Well, buckle up because The Asian Tribune has uncovered a massive corruption scandal that will leave you speechless. It seems like the saying "truth is stranger than fiction" holds true once again.
According to our sources, high-ranking officials in the government have been siphoning off millions of dollars from public funds for their own personal gain. Can you believe the audacity of these individuals? It's like they think they're above the law, living in their own little bubble of privilege and entitlement.
But fear not, dear reader, because The Asian Tribune is here to shine a light on these dark deeds and hold these corrupt officials accountable for their actions. We believe in the power of journalism to uncover the truth and bring about justice, no matter how powerful the wrongdoers may think they are.
The Fallout: Public Outrage and Calls for Accountability
As news of this corruption scandal spreads like wildfire, the public is understandably outraged. People are demanding answers and accountability from those responsible for betraying the trust placed in them. It's heartening to see the community come together in solidarity against such blatant abuse of power.
Political analysts are weighing in on the situation, pointing out the long-lasting impact this scandal could have on the country's reputation and stability. Trust in the government is already at an all-time low, and this revelation will only serve to further erode that trust.
- Public outrage is palpable
- Calls for accountability are growing louder
- Impact on national reputation and stability
Journalism at Its Finest: Uncovering the Truth
At The Asian Tribune, we take our role as journalists very seriously. We believe in the importance of holding those in power accountable and shining a light on corruption wherever it may hide. Our dedicated team of reporters worked tirelessly to uncover this scandal, following every lead and connecting the dots to reveal the truth.
It's moments like these that remind us why journalism is so vital to a functioning democracy. Without a free and independent press, corruption and abuse of power would go unchecked, leaving ordinary citizens at the mercy of those who seek to exploit them for personal gain.
What's Next: Stay Tuned for Updates
As this corruption scandal continues to unfold, The Asian Tribune will be right there with you every step of the way. We will continue to investigate, report, and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Stay tuned for more updates as we uncover the truth behind this shocking revelation.
Remember, dear reader, your voice matters. Together, we can demand transparency, integrity, and accountability from our leaders. Let's stand together against corruption and ensure a brighter future for our country.
Until next time, stay informed and stay empowered!
Hey, I'm Hamza Ilyas, Dubai's very own sports and entertainment guru. Started off at The Aquila School and kicked it at Ajman Academy too. Now, I'm all about bringing you the hottest takes and coolest news from the world of sports and entertainment. Buckle up, it's gonna be one heck of a ride. Connect With Me